November Elections 2023: Know Your Voting District
Contributed by Nan Potter
October has arrived, and it brings the Municipal Elections campaigns. November 7th, is when you can go to the polls and vote in person at your local precinct, from 7am to 8pm. Better yet, Early Voting and Absentee In-person Voting starts October 23rd and runs thru November 6th. The Mat-Su Borough Building in Palmer or the Division of Elections in Wasilla, are the places to get your vote in early. The Borough’s website has more information, for voting times and days, matsugov.us/elections or call, (907) 861-8683. Plus, with the 2024 General Election slightly over a year away, candidates are ramping-up for an exciting period to inform and inspire people to register to vote, and then, VOTE!
With that said, if voting is not enough engagement for you in our political endeavor, then you need to volunteer! How? Know your district and what it needs — come to the meetings and find out! What a better way to enlighten yourself and others to the voting districts and current issues.
If you are wondering what and where your District is, there are tools to assist. Starting with the Alaska Division of Elections at, elections.alaska.gov , you'll find your district and precinct. The site also provides accurate information regarding the upcoming elections. Then, go to your favored party’s website or FaceBook page to see what is happening with upcoming meetings and events. If you attend, you’ll receive the information you require to cast your vote in your district by locating the area it covers, who your representatives are and how to contact them, and the meeting locations so you can receive answers to burning questions by your District representatives and candidates. Not only will you have your questions answered, you’ll be able to understand what is needed and wanted of you by your district. Remember, WE THE PEOPLE should be participating in serving our communities and supporting our U.S. Constitution, no matter how small the effort.
Ever in a quandary as to why some candidates win an office when you think, how? It’s been generally proven, local elections have light voter turnouts — a pour turnout equates to a small number of people voting. They determine our elected officials. Then, you wonder how they got in those positions! The goal of knowing your district is to inform voters regarding past and current issues, clear-up any confusion and provide tools to make informed decisions and to encourage registered voters to vote. If this experience motivates you to volunteer, you will be welcomed.
The Borough mails out your voting guide and it should be on its way. If you don’t receive it, contact the Borough, they will make certain you get one. This too, is a useful tool. But why wait for it when you can speak directly to your representatives and meet the candidates running for office. Get to know them and ask those hard questions you’ve been anxious to have complete answers for — find a meeting and attend!
Now that you’re registered to vote, have spoken to one or more candidates, have the information you’re looking for and know where and when to vote, it would be a shame to let the opportunity go by. Don’t allow your hesitation to get the better of you so it slips away. Vote early, it’s painless.